Chipotle Quinoa Tacos

These Quinoa Tacos are the perfect way to get your family to love quinoa! You can make them vegan, or not, meaning they are perfect for everyone! Its no secret that I love Mexican food. And, based on the comments I have received, so do most of you!

Today’s Chipotle Quinoa Tacos are my new favorite dish. Not only are they yummy, but they can also be (mostly) made ahead.

As in make a double batch on Friday and not have to worry about cooking for the entire weekend.

We have had these three times in the last week. I love them just that much.

Now, I’ve used tempeh in this recipe, which some of you may not be familiar with. Tempeh is fermented soy (i.e. the good soy – as long as its organic) and it can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. (Usually near the vegan foods in the produce department). On it’s own its not so exciting but like quinoa, it takes on the flavors of marinades completely. It is a great source of protein and I’ve used it here because I like the way it crisps up when cooked. The quinoa/tempeh combo is my new obsession.

For those of you who are either soy free or just not interested in trying tempeh, I’ve given you substitutions at the end of the recipe. This dish is really all about the marinade and I’m quite sure that whatever you use it will come out delicious.

Place tempeh in a dry food processor and process until it is the consistency of ground beef. (You can also use a hand grater.) Place tempeh in the bowl with the marinade and stir well. Add quinoa and stir until well combined. Allow to marinade for one hour or overnight.

Preheat oven and bake taco shells according to package directions.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and spray well with olive oil. (If you want the mixture to get crispy, add a little more oil.) Add tempeh and quinoa mixture and cook for 7 to 9 minutes. (I actually added 1/2 cup Daiya cheese in the last couple of minutes of cooking.)

Line warm shells with tempeh/quinoa mixture and top with desired fixings!

Note: If you don’t want to use tempeh there are several other options to enjoy these tacos. One alternative is to use 3 cups of cooked quinoa. You could also use chopped chick’n and proceed as directed, making sure you cook long enough to get the chick’n cooked. Meatless crumbles would also work well. For you meat eaters, simply half the marinate and use it on the meat (ground beef or chopped chicken of your choice) Cook the meat through and then add the quinoa once your meat is cooked.

About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!